Dr. James Peter Gallo Jr.

Dr. James Peter Gallo Jr. obituary, Tamarac, FL

Dr. James Peter Gallo Jr.

Dr. James Gallo Jr. Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 22, 2024.
Doctor James "Doc" Peter Gallo Jr. passed away surrounded by his family on May 13th, 2024 at the age of 82 after a noble battle following a massive heart attack.

Jim was born in Hudson County, New Jersey on November 12th, 1941 to James and Sara Gallo. Jim embodied the great American principles of hard work and self-sufficiency which he knew were fundamental to a life lived with pride. Jim began working at 13 as a caddy and lifeguard and put himself through college as a photo engraver.

Jim and his wife Kathie married in 1964 and shortly after Jim graduated from the Chiropractic Institute of New York. Jim relocated his family to South Florida in 1971, opening the first chiropractic office in Coral Springs where he practiced for 45 years. Jim committed his life to healing those afflicted with pain and brought relief to his patients with a warm and caring bedside manner. Jim retired at the age of 74, extending his career in service of his longtime patients.

Jim and Kathie raised their two daughters and son to be hardworking, caring, and strong individuals. Jim's love for his family far surpassed any of his other passions. He was the most ardent supporter of any endeavor his children and five grandchildren pursued. Nothing felt better than making Jim proud.

The Gallo house was famous for its ceaseless orbit of people, often collecting around the kitchen table to hear one of Jim's many hilarious stories. Jim's hospitality came from his beloved Armenian mother who, like Jim, believed that everyone deserved a spot at the table. Food was a way Jim communicated his love and there was always an abundance of both in the Gallo house.

Just as Jim embodied the angelic qualities of his mother who passed too early in life, those who knew him will carry on his infinite kindness, easy joyfulness, and selflessness.

An avid golfer, Jim was a longtime member and Club President at Broken Woods Country Club. In 1999 Jim formed an investor group that acquired Broken Woods. Under Jim's leadership, the club flourished with record membership and nothing brought Jim more joy than working alongside his children there.

Jim had an endless rotary of jokes that, coupled with his fiercely competitive spirit, made him the ideal golf partner. His infectious love for the game spread to his family and Jim loved seeing people excel in the game. Indeed, Jim was the nucleus of many men's groups who brought meaningful business to area courses. Jim often joked that if he had to die, he wished he could do it on the golf course. It should be noted that in Jim's last round of golf, he birdied the final hole before suffering a heart attack.

Jim's ability to see the best in people was evident in the daring and impressionistic portraits he painted of his loved ones. These portraits by the artist "Poppy Picasso" captured the true essence of their subject and are now priceless artifacts of his love.

Perhaps his favorite subject to paint was his wife of 60 years, Kathie, whom he saw for the first time on the top of the stairs of Memorial High School in West New York. Both Kathie and Jim described the moment they first saw one another as a kind of terrifying, suspension of time -- which is perhaps the closest, most real description of love at first sight that exists. This love only grew throughout their 65-year relationship. In his later years, there was no place else he'd rather be than beside his wife, watching an old movie or doing crossword puzzles together at their kitchen table.

Jim unrelentingly learned how to fix anything that broke and passed this knowledge down to his children and grandchildren, instilling in them independence and confidence. Jim's ideal afternoon would be spent with his children and grandchildren patiently fishing off the end of the family dock. Everyone leaned on Jim for his wisdom and guidance.

In everything Jim did, in every slice of French toast he made for Kathie, in every late-night game of Gin Rummy with his wife or grandchildren, Jim exemplified that the most rewarding accomplishments in life were the quiet, unquantifiable ones. Jim knew joy and he spread it wherever he could.

Jim is leaving behind the many people who can still feel the strength of his hands adjusting them, who can hear his piercing whistle that reached for miles, who can smell the food he lovingly prepared, who can feel the special sense of confidence Jim's sparkling eyes instilled in them. But they are comforted in knowing that they will be reunited with him again in Heaven and that in every fish they catch, in every putt they sink, in every late-night screening of Moonstruck or On the Waterfront, Jim is responsible for the brushwork.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife Kathie, his three devoted children, Denise Fatigate (Richard), Emily Gallo-Walsh (Christopher), and Jason Gallo, his five loving grandchildren; Amanda, Richie, Katie, Sara, and Jake, and his sister Sara Barteluce. Jim is predeceased by his mother, father, and his brother Dennis Gallo.

Jim's celebration of life will be held on June 8th at 5:00 pm at The Country Club of Coral Springs where he was a longtime member and formerly on the Board of Directors. The family requests that instead of flowers, donations be made in his memory to Every Child Matters at https://everychildmattersofamerica.com.

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June 8, 2024

Linda Smith posted to the memorial.

May 25, 2024

Kathy Tomlinson posted to the memorial.

May 24, 2024

Linda Sue Mager posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Linda Smith

June 8, 2024

May prayer and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow.
On behalf of Linda Smith and family
WE LOVE YOU ALL BUT JESUS LOVES YOUR FAMILY BEST.

Kathy Tomlinson

May 25, 2024

We had many wonderful times with Jim and Kathie while we lived in Coral Springs. His best bridge game mantra was "pass your way to success". In addition, we loved going to Broken Woods and enjoying golf, dinners and parties with them. Our prayers are with Kathie and the entire Gallo family.
Joe and Kathy Tomlinson
4275 Birnam Ct.
Columbus, Ohio

Linda Sue Mager

May 24, 2024

So sorry for you loss . To all of the Gallo family he will never be forgotten . His kindness to all was what will be most remembered . Tony and sue mager

Michele Conte

May 23, 2024

Mrs Gallo , Emily , Denise and Jason and all of your family , please except my deepest love and condolences! It´s so difficult when we lose such an important person in our lives as your husband, father and grandfather was in your lives ... my family and I send our prayers for your strength and comfort and peace during this time. Doc Gallo Will be remembered as such a wonderful man with a huge heart and a great smile. God bless you all . Love Michele Conte and family

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June 8, 2024

Linda Smith posted to the memorial.

May 25, 2024

Kathy Tomlinson posted to the memorial.

May 24, 2024

Linda Sue Mager posted to the memorial.